Troops of the 4 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, working alongside the Nigerian Air Force, Edo State Police Command, NSCDC, and Edo State Security Corps, have launched a decisive operation against kidnappers and criminals in Edo North Senatorial District. The operation, codenamed Operation IGBO DANU 1, took place on 4 February 2026, targeting Osara Community in Etsako West Local Government Area, as well as Auchi and Okpella communities.

According to Captain Kennedy Anyanwu, Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 4 Brigade, eight suspected kidnappers and drug traffickers were apprehended during the raids. The suspects—aged between 24 and 50—were identified as Jamilu Mohammad, Kasim Abu, Braimoh Affeez, Sulaiman Hamisu, Lawan Umaru, Bawa Auwal, Musa Umaru, and Amodu Attai. Weapons recovered included an English auto pump-action gun, a locally made pistol, and live ammunition. Security forces also seized cash, suspected drugs including codeine syrup, cannabis, tramadol, and ice, as well as other items such as a POS machine, phones, and cutlasses.

In a related operation in the Aviele Forest of Etsako West, five additional suspects—Isiaka Abubakar, Mohammad Abubakar, Yusuf Abubakar, Mohammed Somu, and Isiaka Ibrahim—were arrested, with motorcycles and phones recovered from them. All suspects and recovered items have been handed over to the Edo State Police Command for further investigation.

Brigadier General Ahmed Balogun, Commander of 4 Brigade, praised the coordinated effort among security agencies, noting, “Edo State will no longer be a safe haven for terrorists, kidnappers, and criminal elements. Our commitment to protecting lives and property remains unwavering.” He also acknowledged the strategic guidance of Major General Chinedu Nnebeife, General Officer Commanding 2 Division, Nigerian Army, which he said was crucial to the operation’s success.

The joint military and police actions underscore the determination of Edo State security forces to curb kidnapping and criminal activities, sending a clear message that such crimes will not be tolerated.